Telecommunications Bill 2023: What Changes it Will Bring & How it Benefits Consumers?

The government has tabled the Telecommunications Bill 2023, in Lok Sabha which is seen as a major policy overhaul for the telecom networks and consumers.

Union Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reiterated that the primary goals of the legislation are to protect and benefit the consumers. The proposed legislation takes into account the issues of spam calls, unsolicited messages, Do Not Disturb Service and strengthen the existing mechanism to fight cyber fraud.

Here are some of the benefits that the new telecom bill offers for consumers, network providers and the telecom sector:

1. 5G Rollout: The new bill seeks to expedite the laying of telecom infrastructure through the right-of-way (RoW) reforms, which would lead to a faster rollout of 5G across the country. The Centre has proposed the exemption of telecom networks installed on any property from any claims, encumbrances, liquidation or the like, relating to such property.
2. End to spam Calls: Under the Telecommunications Bill, the registration of “Do Not Disturb” or DND will get a legal mandate. The bill proposes to guard consumers against spam or unsolicited commercial messages and calls.
3. Cybersecurity: The government will be empowered to establish rules for the protection and assurance of cybersecurity in telecommunication networks and services once the proposed legislation is enacted.
4. Simplify Licensing: The Bill also seeks to simplify the current licensing regime for telecom networks by replacing it with an authorisation system. As of now, the telecom department issues more than 100 types of licences, registrations, and permissions. The proposed legislation would club many of these licences into a “more cohesive and efficient” authorisation-based regime.
5. Grievance redressal: The bill states that an authorised entity providing telecommunication services will have to establish an online mechanism to enable users to register any grievance pertaining to the telecommunication service and redressal of such grievances.
6. Allocation Through Auction: The bill proposes the allocation of spectrum to satellite communications companies through the administrative method. The move is in line with the demand of global satellite services companies and rejects the argument made by domestic telecom players Jio and Vodafone Idea for allocation of spectrum for commercial use through auction only. On the other hand, administrative allocation will be done for sectors like metro rails, community radio, defence, railways, and police, among others.
7. Penalty on Fraudulent SIM: The bill proposes a jail term of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh for a person obtaining SIM or other telecom resource through fraud, cheating, personation etc. The government has proposed to mandate sector regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to share its reply on clarification sought from it within 30 days.